The 2026 Met Gala, widely celebrated as "fashion's biggest night," unfolded on the first Monday in May in New York City, drawing a cross-section of entertainment, sports, music, and fashion's biggest names. This year's theme, "Fashion is Art," was intrinsically linked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Art exhibition, curated by Andrew Bolton. The exhibition, which examines "the centrality of the dressed body, juxtaposing objects from across the museum’s vast collection with historical and contemporary garments from the Institute," is set to run from May 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027.

Despite the glamour, the event was shadowed by significant controversy surrounding its lead sponsors, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Criticism erupted almost immediately after their announcement as financial sponsors in February, with an anti-Bezos campaign taking hold on city streets, subways, and online, where social media users dubbed it the “Amazon Prime Gala” or “Bezos Ball.” Meredith Lynch spearheaded some of the most vocal criticism, warning A-listers not to wear "ICE Out" pins to the "Jeff Bezos-backed" gala. Lynch highlighted Bezos's alleged support for Donald Trump, who she claimed had slashed arts funding, and contrasted Bezos's personal wealth, specifically a $500 million superyacht, with the "precarious conditions, low wages and high injury rates" faced by Amazon warehouse workers. Actress Taraji P. Henson echoed this sentiment, expressing confusion and dismay at some attendees with her comment, “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!” and sarcastically adding, “Enjoy the MET” on her Instagram Story. The underlying tensions manifested physically when a protester briefly breached the museum's entrance before being tackled by security, rattling the event but not halting the red carpet proceedings.

Co-chairing this year’s affair were Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The gala host committee was led by Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz and included a star-studded list: Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Paloma Elsesser, Lisa, Chloe Malle (newly installed head of editorial content of Vogue U.S.), Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor, Lauren Wasser, Anna Weyant, A’ja Wilson, and Yseult. Additional support for the gala and exhibition was provided by Saint Laurent and Condé Nast. The Met Gala, as fashion’s most high-profile annual fundraiser, benefits the Costume Institute.

The red carpet saw a variety of standout fashion moments and notable appearances. Dwayne Johnson made a striking statement in a custom Thom Browne black mohair tailcoat, bow tie, and a matching pleated skirt, accompanied by his wife, Lauren Hashian. Johnson explained that the look was partly inspired by Polynesian culture, where "the most masculine men" traditionally wear skirts or lavalavas. He previously emphasized at CinemaCon 2026, while promoting Disney’s live-action “Moana,” that "real masculinity" involves empowering and championing women.

Blake Lively marked her return to the Met Gala after four years, donning an archival 2006 Atelier Versace multi-colored and layered pastel gown. Her appearance came hours after announcing a settlement in her lengthy legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her director and co-star on "It Ends With Us," following allegations of sexual harassment and a digital smear campaign. A joint statement released by the pair emphasized their commitment to raising awareness for domestic violence survivors and fostering respectful workplaces.

Supermodel Heidi Klum paid homage to the art world in a custom Mike Marino creation, designed to transform her into a “living sculpture” inspired by classical works such as the “Veiled Christ” and “Veiled Vestal.” The piece utilized a blend of materials like latex and spandex to create the illusion of carved stone.

Several breakout stars made their Met Gala debuts, including Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, leads of the Crave mega-hit hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry.” Storrie, in a polka-dot halter-top ensemble by Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello, accessorized with Tiffany and Co. brooches. Williams, for his part, arrived in a custom Balenciaga baby blue suit with black embellishments and a cape-like fabric, famously eschewing a shirt underneath, with his makeup and hair inspired by Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan.” Also making their first appearance were Ejae and Audrey Nuna from Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” Ejae chose a glittering column gown from Swarovski, while Nuna sported a dramatic black-and-white splattered coat and hat by designer Robert Wun. Other notable attendees included Bad Bunny, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Margot Robbie, Colman Domingo, Amanda Seyfried, and Emma Chamberlain, all adding to the night's sartorial splendor.